Public Works Department: Snow Removal
Prepare for Winter
PennDOT Reminder: Prepare Your Mailbox Now
As winter approaches, PennDOT reminds residents—especially those along rural state and local roads—to ensure mailboxes are ready for snow removal operations. Snow thrown from plows can damage poorly positioned or weakly supported mailboxes.
While mailboxes are typically placed within the state’s legal right-of-way, repair and replacement are the responsibility of the property owner.
To help prevent damage:
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Place your mailbox as far from the road edge as the mail carrier can reach.
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Use a sturdy support post to increase stability.
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Consider installing a cantilevered mailbox support designed to swing out of harm’s way. Click here to view PennDOT’s cantilever mailbox support plans.
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Add a 6–8 inch piece of reflective tape to your mailbox for visibility at night.
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Clear snow around the mailbox, but do not throw it back onto the road.
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If your mailbox has been damaged in previous winters, consider repositioning it before snow season begins.
For proper placement guidelines, contact your local post office.
Township Snow Operations
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Road Treatment: Crews apply a mix of salt and anti-skid material depending on the type of precipitation.
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Plowing Begins: When snow accumulation reaches 2 inches.
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No Parking: Parking is prohibited on all Township and State roads once a storm begins. This is enforced by Ordinance 2002-7. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense.
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Coverage Area: Public Works is responsible for Township and State-owned roads only. Private roads and developments are maintained by the homeowners or their associations.
After the Storm
Once snowfall ends, crews will clear roads curb-to-curb. While every effort is made to minimize inconvenience, some snow may be pushed back into driveways. To reduce this:
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Wait until plowing is complete before clearing your driveway, if possible.
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Learn how to properly clear the end of your driveway to prevent snow buildup from plows. Click here to view the Driveway Plowing Diagram
Additional Reminders
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Keep garbage and recycling containers off the roadway—especially during snow events. Property owners are responsible for any mess caused by containers left in the street.
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Review important winter documents: